Reloading for SBRs

[ZLBubba]

I plan on getting an SBR in the next year, either a 10.5" 5.56 upper for my RRA or getting a 12.5" 7.62 model. I've heard that one of the only issues, besides the ass pain of waiting on the ATF to get the paperwork approved, is that you often get more barrel and suppressor wear from SBRs because the powder doesn't get fully consumed in the barrel.

Could you mitigate that by using a faster powder instead of some of the slower burning ones? Has anyone tried this approach or is it the wear insignificant enough not to worry about it? If you have an SBR, what kind of loads have you tried with it?

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Reloading for SBRs

Anything?

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Reloading for SBRs

It's a dilema ... maybe only 10,000 to 12,000 rounds of barrel life instead of the customary 20,000 to 15,000 rounds.

Clearly something to consider.

 

[TOPO-sniper]

Re: Reloading for SBRs

OK, what am I missing here? For a standard caliber powder, if less powder is burned when the bullet exits the barrel, less powder burn equals less pressure for a given length of barrel, how does that increase barrel wear (serious question)? I'm sure its obvious, I just dont see it right off. Thanks

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Reloading for SBRs

**Caveat: I may be talking out of my ass here.**

I think it could be that powder doesn't ignite in the case but combusts throughout the barrel and the suppressor, causing more wear. Just a guess.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Reloading for SBRs

Ever look at some powder kernels up close or under magnification? They are jagged and sharp! If you can de-burr your powder or polish it up then you can reduce wear in the bore especially in the throat area..I think what Frank was asserting is that barrel life or potential suppressor wear is pretty much a non-issue.

 

[cinosbus]

Re: Reloading for SBRs

There is nothing different about loading for a short barrel. Check out single shot handgun loading data. The same powders that are best for velocity for a cartridge in a long barrel are best in a short one.

Faster powders produce higher pressures and/or lower velocity.

Why would the first 10" of of a 24" barrel wear slower than the first 10" of a 10" barrel?

I can see why a suppressor might wear quicker. I would suggest choosing a suppressor with a blast baffle constructed of better materials or one that is designed for what you are trying to do. Handloading is not likely to fix that, unless you want to duplicate a lower powered cartridge, ie, .221 fireball type loads in the 5.56 or 7.62x39 level loads in the 7.62x51. And if that is the case, why not just buy one of those instead?